Making a video game is no easy feat, especially if you’re doing it all by yourself. It can take months, or even years to get a game from concept to completion. The amount of time it takes to make a video game by yourself can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the game and the amount of work you’re willing to put in. Here’s a breakdown of the various stages of video game development and how long it takes to go from concept to completion.
How long does it take to make your own video game
Making a video game by yourself can take anywhere from a few days to several years, depending on the complexity of the game and the amount of work you’re willing to put in. It’s important to remember that making a video game is a lengthy process that requires a lot of dedication and hard work. So, if you’re thinking about making a video game by yourself, make sure you’re prepared to put in the time and effort needed to make it a success.
For someone who has never created a game before, it could take months or even years to complete a game. If you are an experienced developer, it could take significantly less time. The complexity of the game is also a factor. A basic game with minimal levels and simple graphics may take a few weeks to create, while a game with complex graphics and a multi-leveled system could take months or even years to finish.
The resources available to you can also play a role in how long it takes to make a game. If you have access to professional game development software, then it could reduce the time needed to create the game. If you are using open source software, then it may take longer to build.
You may need to outsource certain elements of the game, such as artwork or sound design, which could further increase the time required to complete the game. Finally, the amount of time you can dedicate to the project is also a factor. If you can devote a large amount of time and effort to the project, then you could potentially finish the game faster than if you had limited time available.

Creating your own video game can be a fun and fulfilling experience. The amount of time it takes to make a video game depends greatly on the complexity of the game, the resources available, and the amount of time you can dedicate to the project. With enough dedication and effort, you can create a game that you can be proud of.
How many man hours does it take to make a video game
To answer that question, one must look at the various steps involved in the process of game development. This includes concept design, game engine development, asset creation, programming, level design, testing, and optimization. Depending on the complexity of the game, the entire process could take anywhere from a few months to several years.
- Concept and Planning – During this stage, you’ll need to decide what type of game you want to create, what style of game it will be, and how long it will take to complete.
- Design – This stage involves creating graphics, levels, characters, and other elements. The amount of time it takes to design a game depends on the complexity of the game, but it can take anywhere from several days to several weeks.
- Programming – You’ll need to write code to make the game function. This stage can take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the complexity of the game.
- Testing – Once the game is programmed, it’s time to begin testing. During this stage, you’ll need to make sure the game functions properly and that all of the features work as intended. This stage can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the game.
- Making the Game Playable – Now, you’ll need to create a user interface, create menus, and balance the game. This stage can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the game.
- Launch – Here You need to make sure the game is available on all of the platforms you’ve chosen to distribute it on. This stage can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the launch plan.
- Maintenance – And finally game needs to be updated regularly with new content, fixes, and features. This stage can take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the complexity of the game.
Time needed for each stage of development will vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project. Generally speaking, planning should take up to 20-30% of the total development time, while coding should take up to 50-70%, and testing and debugging should take up to 10-20%.
Why do video games take so long to make
Each game typically consists of multiple levels, characters, cutscenes, music, sound effects, and a variety of other elements that must be designed and tested. All of these elements require time and effort to create properly. You can check whole list below:
- Designing the game mechanics
- Programming the game
- Creating the artwork
- Implementing sound effects
- Testing and debugging
- Adding additional content
- Balancing the difficulty
- Polishing the user interface
- Optimizing the performance
- Publishing the game
Games today are often made with advanced 3D engines and physics systems that require a lot of time and expertise to program. Additionally, game developers must spend time creating code that allows the game to interact with different platforms, such as PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. This can add a considerable amount of time to the development process.
Game development requires a lot of testing and debugging to ensure that the game is running properly and is free of bugs. This process can take a considerable amount of time, as developers must test the game on different platforms and configurations to ensure that it runs optimally. Additionally, developers must constantly make adjustments to the game based on feedback from playtesters.
Making a video game by yourself for free
There are a few popular programs like Unity and Unreal Engine that are great for game development. Both are free to use, so you can try them out and see which one works best for you. Once you’ve chosen a free program, you’ll need to learn how to use it. Fortunately, there are plenty of tutorials online that can help you get started.

Next, you’ll need to come up with a concept for your game. What type of game will it be? Will it be a single-player or multiplayer experience? What kind of graphics and sound will it have? Once you have a concept, you can start to flesh it out and create the game world. You’ll need to design characters, create levels, and build the mechanics that will make your game unique.
Conclusion
The time it takes to make a video game by yourself can vary significantly depending on the type and complexity of the game. Generally speaking, a basic game can take anywhere from a few months to a few years, while more complex and feature-rich games can take up to several years to create. Ultimately, the time required to create a video game is highly dependent on the individual’s experience level, dedication, and the complexity of the game.
Can a single person make a video game?
Yes, a single person can make a video game. Depending on the complexity of the game, it may require different skills. A person with knowledge of coding, game design, and art may be able to program a game from start to finish.
How hard is it to make a game alone?
Making a game alone can be a very challenging endeavor. It requires having a strong technical understanding of game development and programming, as well as a creative vision for the project. It also requires a lot of time and dedication to actually build the game.
How long does video game pre production take?
Pre-production for video games typically takes anywhere from several months to several years, depending on the size of the game and the development team. The pre-production period is when the initial design, planning, and research of the game takes place.